Law

U.S. Imposes Tariffs and Ends Aid to Colombia Amid Growing Tensions Over Drug Policy

SMGN Publishing October 20, 2025

Washington strengthens its stance toward President Gustavo Petro’s government U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new round of tariffs on Colombian exports and the suspension of American aid to the country, citing insufficient action by President Gustavo Petro’s administration to combat drug production and trafficking. Speaking from Florida, Trump said

New York Attorney General Letitia James Indicted on Federal Charges in Virginia

SMGN Publishing October 10, 2025

Federal grand jury accuses James of bank fraud and false statements A federal grand jury in Virginia has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on one count of bank fraud and one count of making a false statement to a financial institution. The indictment stems from a 2020 mortgage

White House Weighs Limiting Back Pay for Federal Workers After Government Shutdown

SMGN Publishing October 8, 2025

Legal Debate Centers on the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act President Donald Trump has suggested that some of the roughly 600,000 furloughed federal employees may not receive back pay once the government reopens, despite a 2019 law designed to ensure full compensation for affected workers during shutdowns. The comments

Air Traffic Staffing Shortages Deepen Travel Delays During U.S. Government Shutdown

SMGN Publishing October 7, 2025

Flight disruptions spread nationwide as control centers face understaffing Air travelers across the United States are experiencing growing delays as the ongoing government shutdown disrupts operations in multiple air traffic control centers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing shortages at more than a dozen facilities, causing significant flight delays

Federal Government Freezes $18 Billion in New York City Infrastructure Projects

SMGN Publishing October 2, 2025

Key transportation initiatives face delays On the first day of the federal government shutdown, the Trump administration announced a freeze on $18 billion in funding allocated for infrastructure projects in New York City. The measure primarily affects two major transportation initiatives: the construction of a rail tunnel under the Hudson

Celebrities Revive Historic Committee to Support Free Expression

SMGN Publishing October 1, 2025

Over 550 entertainment figures back initiative More than 550 artists, directors, musicians, and writers have relaunched the Committee for the First Amendment, an organization first established in the 1940s after World War II to defend constitutional rights and oppose political repression in the United States. The initiative is being led

U.S. Congress Faces Funding Deadline Amid Health Care Dispute

SMGN Publishing September 19, 2025

House of Representatives prepares vote on short-term funding bill The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a stopgap measure that would fund federal agencies through November 21. The proposal also includes additional security funding for government officials. However, disagreements over health care could complicate approval ahead of

Trump and Starmer Diverge on Palestinian Statehood and Discuss Ukraine Conflict

SMGN Publishing September 18, 2025

Disagreement on Palestinian Recognition President Donald Trump voiced opposition to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plan to recognize the Palestinian state later this month, unless Israel commits to a peace framework in Gaza. Speaking at a joint press conference, Trump emphasized that the immediate release of hostages in Gaza remains

Rising Concerns in Congress Over Political Violence

SMGN Publishing September 17, 2025

Lawmakers weigh additional security funding The U.S. House of Representatives is considering an increase of $30 million in security funding in response to growing concerns about political violence. The proposal is included in a temporary government funding bill ahead of the September 29 deadline, though it remains uncertain if it

FBI Director Kash Patel to Testify Before Senate Amid Leadership Concerns

SMGN Publishing September 16, 2025

A hearing at a critical juncture FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to testify Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Although the hearing was set weeks in advance, it now takes place under heightened scrutiny of Patel’s leadership. Confirmed in February by a narrow 51-49 vote, Patel has been criticized

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DOJ Releases New Epstein Files Referencing Trump

SMGN Publishing December 23, 2025

The U.S. Department of Justice released an additional batch of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, adding new material that includes hundreds of references to President Donald Trump. The disclosure forms part of a broader, congressionally mandated effort to make public all federal records connected to Epstein’s activities,

The Choral Uses Music to Unite a British Town During World War I

Sarah Olivella December 23, 2025

The historical drama The Choral is set in 1916, at a moment when World War I was reshaping communities across Europe. Against the backdrop of global conflict, the film focuses on Ramsden, a fictional town in northern England whose peaceful appearance contrasts sharply with the reality of conscription, loss, and

Student Loan Wage Garnishment Set to Resume for Millions of Borrowers in 2026

Sarah Olivella December 23, 2025

The U.S. federal government is preparing to reinstate wage garnishment for student loan borrowers who remain in default, marking a major shift in federal student debt enforcement after several years of suspended collections. The policy change is expected to take effect in early 2026 and will gradually expand throughout the